Is 58:7…. when you see the naked, to clothe him
Unless you are on the beaches of Southern California, it would appear we rarely have the opportunity to apply this verse. Is God calling us to a T-shirt ministry? “Trust me, you really want to put this on!” I doubt it. Is there a shame that is deeper than the skin? So many people don’t want to go to church because they feel they would be struck by lightning as soon as they walk through the doors. Most people are keenly aware of the shameful things they have done in the midst of a holy God. Here is the paradox of the Good News: The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin. We are exposed for who we really are. We have offended a holy God. We messed up. We hurt others. We failed miserably. And upon agreement with God about our sin (confession and repentance) Jesus immediately covers us with His own blood. Oh the beauty of the cross that covers our shame. We are forgiven. We are clean. We are wanted. Isaiah 61:7 says ” Instead of their shame my people will receive double honor, or in other versions a double portion. Not only is our nakedness clothed with His righteousness, but He wants us to know that we are His favorite one. The eldest son was considered the favored one as he received a double inheritance, or like Joseph, Jacob’s favored son received twice as much as everyone else.
As many of you know last year with the school thing (quitting my job) I felt shame on a level like I had never ever experienced before. But I felt clothed by some really healing words ” I guess God has some other plans for you here in Columbia” ” I affirm you as a good educator “. ” You’re not a failure because you have boundaries”. I wanted to just crawl in the bed and stay there, not try to do anything for anyone because it would most definitely end in disaster. I wanted to just keep the covers over my head and just hope today is the day Jesus returns. God used kind words from others and the Bible to push me out of bed and see who I might serve and love. Isaiah 50:7 Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced, therefore I have set my face like flint and I know I will not be put to shame. ( This is the actual verse I read on my lowest day)
Clothe people by communicating God’s perspective on sin as well as a person’s worth and value all tied together with the wonder of the cross. There is hope because of a God who has amazing plans for their life. Higher plans. More than their wildest imaginations could ever dream of!
There are indeed naked people running around everywhere, tell them Truth seasoned with grace and respect and so clothe them.